Scan barcode
chihinoke22's review
4.0
I don't expect any books written by Westerners about Eastern to spell things right, so that's really the only reason I minused a star. Everything is actually really great otherwise.
Disclaimer: I only read the chapter on Daoism because that's my main interest but the author goes over 3 different forms of Buddhism, Confucianism, Jainism and others.
Throughout chapters they explain the terms both as translations in the original language and it's expanded definition in context to the belief. Also they add little extra information when comparing similar beliefs stated in the book or more Western beliefs and frame of minds in order to put things in perspective. Different practices that belong to the school of philosophy and brief histories and adjacent smaller philosophies are also mentioned. All in all, very informative. I just had to look up some of the schools and teachers and had to work a little more due to misspellings.
Disclaimer: I only read the chapter on Daoism because that's my main interest but the author goes over 3 different forms of Buddhism, Confucianism, Jainism and others.
Throughout chapters they explain the terms both as translations in the original language and it's expanded definition in context to the belief. Also they add little extra information when comparing similar beliefs stated in the book or more Western beliefs and frame of minds in order to put things in perspective. Different practices that belong to the school of philosophy and brief histories and adjacent smaller philosophies are also mentioned. All in all, very informative. I just had to look up some of the schools and teachers and had to work a little more due to misspellings.
beak's review
4.0
After reading a number of Eastern translated texts, it was nice to find a book that is actually written for a (beginner) Western audience. I found this book to read somewhat like an encyclopedia of Eastern philosophy and spirituality, and provided a nice overview of each. Though lacking any 'meat', this book does provide a mental map of what each philosophy stands for, and its origin story.
After reading this book I feel as though I understand the context of each philosophy a little bit more, and enjoyed myself along the way. Yeehaw!
After reading this book I feel as though I understand the context of each philosophy a little bit more, and enjoyed myself along the way. Yeehaw!
More...